Episode 8

full
Published on:

18th Mar 2025

Navigating Cancer’s Impact on Education & Career Paths

How does a cancer diagnosis impact education and career aspirations? In this episode of Life on Pause, seven young adult cancer survivors share their personal experiences of having their lives disrupted by cancer during pivotal academic and professional moments. From reimagining career paths to navigating education with ongoing treatment, their stories highlight resilience, adaptation, and newfound purpose.

Join us as we discuss the challenges of pausing life for treatment, the uncertainty of returning to school and work, and the surprising ways survivorship reshapes ambitions. Whether you’re a student, professional, or caregiver, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights into the intersection of cancer, education, and vocation.

Tune in and subscribe to Life on Pause for more real stories from young adult cancer survivors.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Educational and occupational aspirations of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a qualitative analysis:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39105828/

Participants:

USC - Olivia Brown, diagnosed at 25

USC – Jared Lipscomb, diagnosed at 31

USC – Quincy Wallen, diagnosed at 31

USC – Xixi Hu, diagnosed at 34

PSH – Taylor Mahoney, diagnosed at 12

PSH – Bailey Unterkofler, diagnosed at 17

PSH – Shelly Bliss, diagnosed at 9

Show artwork for Life on Pause

About the Podcast

Life on Pause
Life On Pause is a podcast for and by young adults living with cancer. Each month, young adult cancer patients from Penn State Health share honestly about their cancer diagnosis, treatment and life afterwards. As cancer causes the group to reflect on issues both large and small, surprisingly relatable stories and themes emerge. From relationships to body functions, nothing is off the table.